As the warm weather comes closer more and more people are going out on their boats which then raises the chances of a building accident to happen. Building a boating accident case can be very complex due to federal, international, and Florida maritime law. Luckily, I’m an expert in complex cases.
What are the different types of boating accidents?
- Negligence
- This is when the operator of the boat acted in a careless manner that caused the injury or death of an individual on their vessel. This includes and not limited to failure to have safety equipment on board, failure to abide by FFWCC rules, operating in an excessive speed, or colliding with another boat or object in the water.
- Under the influence
- Just like it is against the law the drive under the influence it is against the law to operate a vessel under the influence. Those that operate a vessel under the influence can face charges as if they were driving a vehicle.
- Reckless operation
- Just like you have to follow laws when driving with the consideration of those inside of your vehicle, those operation a boat have that responsibility too. They have to follow any restrictions and divers down below them.
- Workplace injury
- Employees who get injured, due to the employer being negligent, while working on a vessel are entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering and possibly more.
What are common injuries as a victim of drunk drivers?
Being a victim of a boating accident, you can be lucky and suffer minor injuries or you maybe unlucky and suffer life threatening injuries. Here are some examples:
- Spinal Injury
- Brain Injury
- Traumatic Injury
- Broken Bones
- Facial Trauma
- Concussions
- Cuts and Punctures
- Unexpected Death of a Loved One
What damages can I recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused you to have an injury you can claim compensatory damages against the liable party. Compensatory damages include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damage claim can include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, home modifications, and non-medical needs.
Non- economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, damage to reputation, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
You may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages can be recoverable if the liable party acted malice or fraud. These may include the liable party being under the influence while driving, fleeing from the police, and/or reckless driving.
What is The Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that encompasses the requirements of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, it provides medical needs for injured workers. The Jones Act extend this to seamen. Seaman are those that work on a boat or a ship. These job include but aren’t limited to ferry workers, oil riggers, ship repairers, fishermen, and galley workers.
What should I do after a boating accident?
After an accident it can be very stressful and confusing. Follow these easy steps to help you feel at ease:
- Call the police for a report and request medical attention
- If applicable, note the signs of impairment that the operator is showing.
- It can be as small as the way they smell, the ways their eyes look, the way they speak, etc.
- Get photographs of all the damage that has been done
- Get photographs of weather conditions
- Get drunk driver’s information if possible
- Get any information of any witnesses
- Call me!
Let me help you get all the compensation you deserve because you don’t deserve anything less!
Contact The Reyes Firm at 813-421-3411
We are here for you 24/7 and have the experience to protect your interests and get you the recovery you deserve. Call us today – and above all be safe on the roads!
